If Drake’s mother is anything like mine, education was an extremely important part of growing up. Every morning when my sister and I stalled, cried and wandered around the house until we could meander no longer, she’d encourage us by saying “Just finish,” and reassure us that school is the way she and I can have a better life.

Drake, who recently made him mother even prouder by graduating from High School, offered the same sort advice to the graduating students of Jarvis Collegiate Institute in Toronto.

“What this is about today for all of you is the art of following through. That’s one of the most important life lessons that my uncle every taught me. I’m so proud of you because there are different ways to follow through, and tonight you followed through with a straight shot and for that, you should give yourself a round of applause.”